#JaVotes2025 | Subdued atmosphere as voters trickle into Clarendon polling stations

Election day in Clarendon seems to be missing its usual buzz. Instead of the chatter of eager voters, blaring horns and party colours dotting the streets, the constituencies are in a state of near stillness.

At several polling stations visited by The Gleaner across Clarendon South Western, Clarendon Central, and Clarendon North Central, the mood was strikingly subdued.

There were no swelling crowds, no long queues, and no celebratory outbursts — only a slow trickle of voters making their way quietly to cast their ballots.

At Chapelton Primary School in Clarendon North Central, Howells Content Basic in Clarendon South Western, and Central High in Clarendon Central, the calm was broken only by the occasional shuffle of feet to the polls.

Michael Edwards, assigned to a one-day police post at Chapelton Primary, leaned against a wall as he reflected on the unusually quiet day. Edwards, who has served in this role for three elections, said he has never seen a poll so sluggish.

“My conclusion is that nuff people nah vote,” he told The Gleaner, his eyes scanning the near-empty compound. “You have some that came early and left, but it slow down. Mi use to see nuff old people a come too — people all lift dem up come vote… blind people too. Mi nuh see that. Even nomination day did active.”

One Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporter outside the polling station at Glenmuir High in Clarendon Central said, "Nuh excitement nuh deh yah so, cause wi sure a the win. A later a the excitement man," he said, seemingly confident of Delroy Williams' victory over the People's National Party's Carla Watt.

-Olivia Brown

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